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Not only did the film receive a rapturous reception from Toronto fans at an advance screening on Aug. 15, but the sequel, City of Ashes, has been given the go-ahead and goes into production in late September, barely a month after the first film based on the bestselling fantasy book series opens in theatres on Aug. 21.

“It’s wicked that we’re green-lit for movie two. Green-lighting any sequel is a gamble. But we have made a great film and it’s wicked that we get to go back and make possibly another great film,” said Jamie Campbell Bower, who stars as demon-battling Shadowhunter Jace Wayland.

“It’s very rare that a sequel will go into (pre-)production when the first film is not even out yet. It’s given us a huge boost of confidence,” added Lily Collins, who plays the film’s heroine, Clary Fray.

“We are confident in the strength of this franchise and fans are extremely loyal, committed and supportive. We are excited about the opening of The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones and look forward to the sequel . . . which begins filming next month in Toronto. We are knee-deep in prep,” said Kat Kleiner, head of international marketing and publicity for Constantin Film.

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Based on a book series by Cassandra Clare that has sold more than 22 million copies worldwide and been translated into 36 languages, City of Bones tells the tale of a secret group of half-angel warriors, or Shadowhunters, fighting to protect the world from demons.

It will face inevitable comparisons to other fantasy franchises with a supernatural element, including the massively successful Twilight series, based on the books by Stephenie Meyer.

But Collins said the films and the book series it’s based on are different from other teen-oriented franchises.

“It’s not a romance; it’s an action adventure where there is romance. But she (Clary) is not defined by men and I think some of the other franchises have been all about the romance. That doesn’t draw in a new audience, especially with men. You want to draw in the dudes as much as the girls,” Collins said.

Collins said the character of Clary is also an inspiration for girls and young women.

“I love that (Clary) is this normal, vulnerable, confused girl but at the same time a bad-ass, strong, empowered young woman and that mixture of the two in a heroine was for me the ultimate dream to play,” Collins said.

During last year’s 56-day shoot in Toronto, Collins recalled fans camping out all night outside Cinespace Film Studios or on locations throughout the city, bearing gifts such as mugs, cookies and drawings.

“That kind of gave us our first taste of the fandom. It was just amazing. We hadn’t even shot the movie and they (fans) were already there to support us,” Collins said.

Cast members said they are looking forward to returning to Toronto, a place they enjoyed during last year’s production.

“My preconception of the city, having never been here, was that it was a little plain Jane. Is it a little bit closed after 10 p.m.? But I just had a whale of a time,” said Irish actor Robert Sheehan, who plays Simon.

“I love the city. It was dope. We had an amazing time,” added Campbell Bower.

Director Harald Zwart put cast members through a rigorous training regimen, including fitness and fight training for the film’s many action scenes, said Kevin Zegers, who plays shadowhunter Alec Lightwood.

“It was like shooting two films. You shoot the character stuff, but you have this other whole aspect because Harald wanted us to do all of our stuff, including fighting. It was non-negotiable,” Zegers said.

“We had to learn to not just fight but fight well . . . and you’ve got to look a certain way,” he added.

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